Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 200 g Dark Chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate)
- 90 g Butter
- 90 g Powdered Sugar
- 115 g Light Brown Sugar
- 150 ml Warm Milk
- 160 g All Purpose Flour
- 40 g Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder (sifted or natural cocoa powder)
- 1/8 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
Pistachio Coconut Crunch Layer
- 150 g Kataifi Dough, chopped
- 50 g Shredded Coconut (optional, can substitute with more Kataifi Dough)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 200 g Pistachio Cream (sweetened)
- 3-4 tbsp Tahini (or cream to adjust consistency)
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 170 g Milk Chocolate, chopped
- 60 ml Whipping Cream (can use dairy-free whipping cream)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch (20cm x 20cm) square baking pan with oil and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a heatproof bowl, using either a double boiler or microwave in short bursts with stirring to avoid scorching. Once smooth, stir in the powdered sugar, light brown sugar, and warm milk until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently whisk in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and free of streaks. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is set and the center is no longer jiggly. Allow to cool before proceeding.
- Prepare Crunchy Pistachio Coconut Layer: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat until bubbling. Add chopped kataifi dough and stir occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Crunch Layer: In a bowl, combine the toasted kataifi, shredded coconut (if using), pistachio cream, and tahini or cream to adjust consistency. Mix until sticky and well combined.
- Apply Crunch Layer: Once brownies are fully cooled, evenly spread the pistachio coconut mixture over the top. Press gently to adhere without compressing the brownies.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat whipping cream in a small saucepan or microwave until just below simmering. Pour the hot cream over chopped milk chocolate, let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Let ganache cool slightly.
- Top Brownies with Ganache: Pour the ganache over the chilled pistachio layer and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor in the brownies.
- Kataifi dough adds a unique crispy texture but can be partially substituted with shredded coconut for more coconut flavor.
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before adding the crunchy layer to prevent melting.
- Tahini in the pistachio layer balances sweetness with a nutty earthiness; adjust amount or substitute with cream for milder flavor.
- Refrigerate brownies after applying ganache to allow the topping to set properly for clean slices.
- You can use dairy-free alternatives for milk and whipping cream to make this recipe lactose-free.
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper extending beyond the edges for easy removal of brownies in one piece.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern